documents & forms
Synod & ELCA Annual Forms
Please let the Synod know how your congregation intends to support the work of the Metro D.C. Synod and the ELCA for 2026 in response to the generosity of God and the people of our congregation and, in recognition of our partnership in the work of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
All Rostered Ministers, whether in a call, on leave from call or retired, must submit an annual report to the Synod Bishop. Rostered Minister Reports should be downloaded and saved under a different file name starting with your last name.
Once completed, your report can be sent via email to Bishop Hirsch.
For communities of faith, transitions are fertile ground for God’s transformational work. When a congregation begins this journey of transformation, the Metro D.C. Synod staff accompanies congregations and rostered ministers along the way.
It is the expectation of the Office of the Bishop and Synod Council of the Metropolitan Washington D.C. Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) that the following trainings be completed at least once every three years for all rostered leaders in this synod:
- Boundaries and Ethics
- Racial Equity and Cultural Competency
- Human Sexuality and Gender Justice
Rostered leaders may select a training provider at their discretion, provided that the training aligns with the positions and theology of the ELCA. United Lutheran Seminary (ULS) provides all of these trainings, including multiple offerings of online and in-person sessions at an affordable rate.
For the annual Bishop’s Report, each rostered leader must include the dates of their last training. Leaders entering the mobility process are expected to have completed these trainings within three years before submitting the Rostered Minister Profile (RMP) or show proof of upcoming training registration before the Bishop’s Office will activate the RMP. Certificates of Completion can be submitted to the Synod Office by email or through this form.
Questions regarding the requirement for these trainings should be addressed to the Synod Office.
Administrative Resources
Youth Protection Policy for Synod-sponsored Youth Events
The “Youth Protection Policy for Synod-sponsored Youth Events” was adopted by the Synod Council in 2013, and highlights policies to care for and protect children including our synod’s background check policy.
Developing/revising a Child Protection Policy in your congregation?
When you call the synod office, we can provide guidance and direct you to other congregations with existing policies.
Resource List
Although some links may no longer be active since being compiled in 2013, an “Information on Raising Awareness of or Responses to Sexual Abuse” resource list is available which points to child/youth protection, sexual harassment and general resources; and policy samples.
Compensation guidelines for rostered ministers, including supply pastors and musicians.
You can view and download the following forms from Portico Benefit Services:
- Change of Call Report
- End of Call Notification
- Rollover forms for ELCA Retirement Plan
Regional Representative for Portico Benefits
Pastor Tara Lynn | tlynn@PorticoBenefits.org
Customer Care Center | 800.352.2846
This current edition of the Model Constitution for Congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America contains changes adopted by all church-wide assemblies.
Before & after your congregational vote to amend your constitution, please send the entire document (preferably in Word format), not just the amended portions, to the Synod Secretary at secretary@metrodcelca.org for review and approval.
Bishop Engagement
If you have would like Bishop Hirsch to visit your congregation or event, please complete a request form.
Synod Directory
The Metro D.C. Synod has a helpful directory of all congregations in the synod and their corresponding conferences, synod staff and council contact information, tables & committees list, other ELCA resources and a supply preaching list!
